Charities I knit for

A new start means  new charities to make items for. I decided to make things that I can easily send by post or give locally.

AGE UK
Age UK provide help for the elderly and have a lot to offer. I have used them myself and find them friendly and willing to help.
This year Age UK are taking part in the Big Knit in making Innocent Smoothie hats. I am taking part in this and will post pictures of my little hats.
Age UK Milton Keynes

BLYTHSWOOD CARE
Blythswood offer help to those in need and getting something for Christmas is always special. Bringing a smile to someone is the greatest gift there is.
Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal
Items required:
Hats, scarves, mitts or gloves for children and adults only

CATS PROTECTION
Knitting a blanket or a toy catnip mouse helps bring both comfort and play to cats and kittens alike.
My own cat Jessie is a rescue cat and having a blanket that she was familiar with helped her settle into her new home.
I make various blankets for my local Cats Protection and they always need more. I like to add catnip mouse as well with each blanket
Catnip Mouse

Cats Protection advises that when knitting a toy or blanket, it's best to avoid the use of stretchy yarns or small plastic items – such as those that can be used for mouse eyes - to reduce the risk of injury to cats and kittens. Loose weave blanket patterns involving the use of large needles are best avoided too.


MISSION TO SEAFARERS
Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Around the world, The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
Imagine getting on a ship in summer in the Philippines, dressed in shorts and t-shirt. Soon you find yourself transiting freezing Arctic waters with only your overalls to keep you warm. Seafarers often set out on new contracts not knowing where their ship will end up or travel through, and they may need to stock up on warm clothes to see them through some of the chillier parts of the globe.
Items Required:
Balaclavas, scarves, gloves, hats
Mission to Seafarers

TWIDDLE MUFFS for DEMENTIA CARE
Twiddlemuffs  occupy patients’ hands and can reduce interference with dressings or cannulas they also help to reduce stress.
The Milton Keynes Hospital has been doing this for a while and I will make some as they will hopefully provide comfort where needed.
Having helped to nurse a loved one with dementia I know how they can often become stressed and need something to help soothe them. I wish someone had thought of this years ago as it would have helped so much in keeping restless hands occupied for a while.
TWIDDLE MUFFS

I will make something for all the above in an effort to provide comfort to others. I know getting something when you need comfort and a little support means a lot and if I can help in the smallest of ways I will be giving back something I myself received.